One of the rare times Claude and I went on a "real" date, I ordered an amazing salad from the Cheesecake Factory. This was a few years ago, but this salad made such an impact that I found myself wanting a giant plateful of it last week. So, I did a little research to find out all that is in the salad and I went to work shopping, chopping, and chomping away on this salad.
This recipe will make a TON of salad...just be warned. For a little perspective, the plate pictured above is bigger than my head. Two weeks in a row I have prepared all of the ingredients, stored them in plastic bags, and had a gigantic plate of salad every day of the week. So, if you follow the quantities listed below, you either want to make this for a gathering of people or to eat for a week. Either way, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Chopped Vegetable Salad
6 large servings
INGREDIENTS
-1 head romaine
-1 head radicchio
-1 bunch asparagus
-2 cups fresh green beans
-2 granny smith apples
-1 can beets
-1 large cucumber
-8 oz. extra sharp white cheddar
-1/2 cup radishes, optional
-1/2 red or Vidalia onion, optional
-2 cups edamame, optional
-Pomegranate vinaigrette or your favorite dressing*
DIRECTIONS
1. Chop all ingredients and place in individual plastic bags (except apples) or place in a large salad bowl.
2. To keep apples from turning brown, place in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Add some lemon juice (I don't measure it, but you probably want around 1/4 cup). Let sit for 10 minutes. Drain but do not rinse. Store in plastic bags or add to the salad bowl.
3. Add your favorite dressing. Enjoy!
*A Note About Dressing: Last week I used Pomegranate Vinaigrette (whatever brand was the best price in the grocery store). This week I used a Light Poppy Seed dressing. Both are good, but I recommend a vinaigrette, especially something fruity, as it really compliments the flavors of the salad ingredients. In my opinion, something heavy and creamy (ie-Ranch or Blue Cheese) would not work well with this salad.
This looks fantastic. I've been craving salad big time lately! Tried to order one at Denny's today (the kids insisted on pancakes and we caved in), it was so disgusting I sent it back and ended up with a Taco Bell salad instead. blah, I so much prefer home made.
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